Robert Lewandowski Will Face Messi-less Inter Miami in MLS Debut

MLS is back with its first official matchday since the World Cup break, and one game in particular catches the eye. Two of the greatest strikers of this generation face off as Luis Suárez and Inter Miami host Robert Lewandowski and Chicago Fire. It will be the highly anticipated debut of the latter after Chicago’s game against Vancouver Whitecaps last Thursday was postponed due to unsafe air quality. Thankfully, this game is in Miami and therefore far far away from the wildfires that are currently ravaging Canada and polluting American air up north.

Match Details

Who: Inter Miami vs. Chicago FireWhat: MLS Regular SeasonWhere: Nu Stadium, Miami, FloridaWhen: Wednesday July 22, 7:30 PM ET / 4:30 PM PTWatch: Apple TV

Shorthanded Inter Miami Aiming For Fifth Straight Win

Inter Miami ended the first half of the season in great form, winning four games in a row including their first two wins at Nu Stadium. Their star-studded attack was at its best, scoring 17 goals across those victories. They’ll now look to start the second half of the season on a similar note but will have to do so without two crucial players. Global superstar Lionel Messi and midfield machine Rodrigo De Paul will both be absent after taking part in the World Cup final with Argentina just a few days ago.

No Messi or De Paul means the Herons will be without 27 combined goal contributions as well as their top two chance creators. Strikers Luis Suárez and Germán Berterame are experienced goal scorers and know how to finish their opportunities, but those chances will be harder to come by against Chicago. Midfielder Telasco Segovia now has a much heavier responsibility on his shoulders. The 23 year old is second on the team in assists with six and also set up goals in both of Venezuela’s June friendlies. He’ll be tasked with setting up the strikers as Inter Miami try to keep pace with Chicago’s revamped attack.

Tale Of Two Strikers For Chicago Fire

The story of the summer so far in MLS has been the arrival of Robert Lewandowski. Most known for his time at Bayern Munich and FC Barcelona, the legendary striker was out of contract and now moves stateside to likely close out his career. Chicago is the perfect destination for Poland’s all-time leading scorer, as the Windy City has the most Polish people of any place outside of Poland itself. Robbed of a fairytale debut against longtime teammate Thomas Müller, Lewandowski instead suits up against fellow iconic marksman Luis Suárez in his first MLS appearance. He’ll be determined to start life in the US on a high with a goal.

As one marquee striker joins the club, another goes out the door. While nowhere near as globally renowned as his replacement, Hugo Cuypers will be a big loss for Chicago. Despite leading the MLS Golden Boot race with 13 goals so far this season, Cuypers expressed a desire to leave after Lewandowski was signed. The Belgian now heads south of the border as he joins Mexican giants CF Monterrey for a reported $7.5 million. It’s an unintended consequence that is already proving to spark controversy among Fire fans. While Lewandowski’s reputation speaks for itself, will Chicago regret choosing jersey sales over a player who scored in all but one of his appearances to start the season? Only time will tell, but a great first indication will be how effective Lewandowski is in this match against an extremely suspect Inter Miami defense.

Match Prediction

Last time these two sides faced, it ended in a 5-3 win for Chicago Fire. That result combined with the fact it’s second against third should mean it will be an entertaining match. However, the absence of Inter Miami’s Argentine stars could very well put a damper on things for the hosts. Chicago has the second best defense in the Eastern Conference and without Messi it’ll be difficult for Miami to generate quality chances. Give me a Fire win and a Lewandowski goal on his debut.

Prediction: Inter Miami 0-2 Chicago Fire